| MATCHUP | ||
|---|---|---|
| Where | Event Location | |
| Time | 2025-01-31 00:00:00 | |
We have a bunch of games in the CBB today, and we highlighted the most intriguing ones, so make sure to check out the College Basketball Picks for Thursday 1/30/2025.
Ohio State vs Penn State Prediction 1/30/25 College Basketball Picks
Ohio State at Penn State at 6:30 PM ET
During the game against Iowa on Monday, the Buckeyes held a slight lead of four points at halftime. However, Ohio State improved significantly in the second half, outscoring their opponents 52-39, ultimately securing an 82-65 victory. Micah Parrish led the team with 18 points and six rebounds. Bruce Thornton contributed 15 points, along with eight rebounds and three assists. Additionally, both John Mobley and Devin Royal scored 12 points each, with Mobley providing eight assists and Royal grabbing eight rebounds.
In their Monday matchup against Michigan, the Nittany Lions ended the first half with a score of 35-35. However, they were outscored 41-37 in the second half, leading to a final score of 76-72 in favor of Michigan. Nick Kern was the standout performer for Penn State, achieving a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Additionally, Ace Baldwin contributed 15 points, six assists, three steals, and three rebounds, while D’Marco Dunn added 13 points off the bench along with two rebounds.
The Pick:
Although Penn State has been on a losing streak, it is noteworthy that their last four losses have been by five points or less, all against tough adversaries. The upcoming encounter with Ohio State will pose another significant challenge; however, I am optimistic that the Nittany Lions will triumph in the comfort of their home arena.
Georgia Southern vs Troy Prediction 1/30/25 College Basketball Picks
Georgia Southern at Troy at 7 PM ET
The Georgia Southern Eagles enter this matchup seeking to recover from a recent defeat, having lost 71-67 to Marshall, which brings their season record to 11-10. Adante Holiman is the leading scorer for the Eagles, averaging 16.7 points per game, while Nakavieon White contributes 11 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Additionally, Bradley Douglas adds 13.5 points and 4 rebounds per game, completing the roster of players who have reached double-digit scoring for Georgia Southern thus far this season.
The Troy Trojans approach this contest with the intention of capitalizing on their previous success, having defeated Southern Miss 70-61, which elevates their overall record to 13-7 for the season. Tayton Conerway is the standout performer for the Trojans, leading the team with averages of 12.8 points, 5 assists, and 3.3 steals per game, along with 3.9 rebounds per game. Myles Rigsby is the only other player contributing in double figures, averaging 11.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.
The Pick:
While the Trojans are recognized as the stronger team in this contest, I maintain that Georgia Southern could present a formidable challenge. Troy leads the Sun Belt in turnovers during conference play, and the Eagles have demonstrated proficiency in forcing turnovers. Furthermore, the Trojans are heavily reliant on three-point shots, but their performance in this area is subpar. Consequently, I am backing the Eagles along with the points.
New Mexico State vs Middle Tennessee Prediction 1/30/25 College Basketball Picks
New Mexico State at Middle Tennessee at 7:30 PM ET
The New Mexico State Aggies experienced losses to Jacksonville State and Kennesaw State. The team is currently scoring an average of 72.1 points per game, achieving a shooting accuracy of 42.8 percent, while allowing opponents to score an average of 67.2 points with a shooting percentage of 39.2. Christian Cook is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 14.9 points and 2.2 rebounds, followed by Peter Filipovity, who averages 11.7 points and 8.4 rebounds.
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders triumphed over Sam Houston but faced a loss against LA Tech. The team is presently averaging 77.6 points, achieving a shooting accuracy of 46 percent while allowing 70.8 points at a rate of 41.8 percent shooting. Jestin Porter is the team’s leading scorer with an average of 16.2 points and 2.6 rebounds, and Essam Mostafa follows with averages of 13.4 points and 8.9 rebounds.
The Pick:
Throughout the season, New Mexico State has averaged 72.1 points per game, yet their performance has significantly declined to an average of 58.3 points in their last three outings. It is noteworthy that New Mexico State was favored in their games against Jacksonville State and Kennesaw State. On the other hand, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders have shown strong offensive performance, achieving an 8-1 record at home. They also maintain a season record of 11-5-2 against the spread, with a cover percentage of 68.7%, ranking them among the top 20 teams in college basketball for covering the spread. Considering New Mexico State’s downward trend, I will place my trust in the Blue Raiders at home.
Liberty vs Kennesaw State Prediction 1/30/25 College Basketball Picks
Liberty at Kennesaw State at 8 PM ET
The Liberty Flames are set to take the court with the objective of extending their momentum following an 82-59 triumph over FIU, which improves their overall record to 16-4. Kaden Metheny leads the scoring for the Flames with an average of 13.4 points per game, alongside 2.5 rebounds and 2 assists. Taelon Peter contributes 12.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Zach Cleveland provides 11 points per game, while also leading the team in rebounds at 6.6 and assists at 4.9. Isaiah Ihnen adds to the scoring depth with an average of 10.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, rounding out the Flames’ double-digit scorers.
The Kennesaw State Owls enter this matchup seeking to recover from a recent 73-71 defeat against UTEP, which has brought their season record to 12-8. Simeon Cottle is the leading scorer for the Owls, averaging 18.4 PPG and contributing 3.2 APG. Adrian Wooley follows closely with an average of 18.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and a team-high 3.2 APG, making him a key playmaker. Additionally, Braedan Lue adds to the team’s offensive efforts with 10.8 PPG and leads in rebounding with 5.8 RPG, ensuring that Kennesaw State has multiple scoring options this season.
The Pick:
The Owls predominantly take shots from the 2-point range, while Liberty’s defense is recognized as the second most effective in Conference USA at guarding the area within the perimeter. Liberty demonstrates strong ball management and offensive effectiveness. Therefore, I am skeptical that Kennesaw State can sustain a competitive level against Liberty for the entire 40 minutes. I will favor the Flames in this encounter.
Illinois vs Nebraska Prediction 1/30/25 College Basketball Picks
Illinois at Nebraska at 8:30 PM ET
Illinois made a significant recovery in their most recent match, demonstrating a marked improvement after a period of struggle. They performed impressively against Northwestern, scoring 83 points, which secured them a nine-point victory. Kylan Boswell contributed notably with 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Currently, Illinois holds a record of 14-6 overall and has a performance of 10-9-1 against the spread. The over has been achieved in 11 out of their 20 games this season. The team averages 85.8 points per game, while their defense concedes an average of 69.5 points. Offensively, they rank 6th in the league, whereas their defensive ranking stands at 118th.
In their latest contest against Wisconsin, Nebraska faced a significant loss, concluding the game with a score of 83-55. The Badgers were behind at halftime, with a score of 40-28, and they failed to recover in the second half, resulting in the defeat. Brice Williams was the only Nebraska player to score in double figures. Nebraska enters this game with an overall record of 12-8 and a 10-10 record against the spread. The Cornhuskers average 75.3 points per game, while their defense allows 71 points per game. Offensively, they are ranked 165th in the league, and defensively, they are positioned at 132nd.
The Pick:
Illinois has been averaging 85.8 points per game this season and is now matched up against a Nebraska team that is devoid of confidence. The Illinois offense is anticipated to start strong, leaving Nebraska with little ability to respond effectively. This scenario suggests that the game may become unbalanced early on. Expect Illinois to score no less than 80 points, leading to a straightforward victory. Back Illinois against the spread.
Memphis vs Tulane Prediction 1/30/25 College Basketball Picks
Memphis at Tulane at 9 PM ET
The Memphis Tigers triumphed over Wichita State and UAB in their recent matchups. They are posting an average of 79 points per game, achieving a shooting accuracy of 47.3 percent, while allowing 73.2 points on 41.6 percent shooting. PJ Haggerty stands out with an average of 22.1 points and 5.7 rebounds, and Tyrese Hunter adds an average of 14.9 points and 3.8 rebounds to the team’s performance.
The Tulane Green Wave experienced a defeat against Temple but secured a victory over Rice. Currently, the team is averaging 76.6 points per game with a shooting percentage of 44.8, while conceding an average of 68.6 points at a shooting percentage of 39.6. Kaleb Banks leads the team with an average of 17.5 points and 0.9 assists, whereas Rowan Brumbaugh contributes an average of 14.5 points and 4.7 assists.
The Pick:
Recently, the Tulane Green Wave have been on a roll, achieving notable upsets against Rice, FAU, and Charlotte. They also maintain a commendable home record of 9-2 straight up. The atmosphere at Devlin Fieldhouse is expected to be vibrant for this encounter, as Memphis is among the key games on Tulane’s schedule. I will support Tulane with the points, as this matchup is likely to remain competitive until the end.
Oregon vs UCLA Prediction 1/30/25 College Basketball Picks
Oregon at UCLA at 10:30 PM ET
The Oregon Ducks secured a victory against Washington but suffered a defeat to Minnesota. Currently, the Ducks are averaging 77.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46.5, while they permit an average of 70.3 points on 41.9 percent shooting. Nate Bittle contributes an average of 12.9 points and 7.5 rebounds, whereas Jackson Shelstad averages 12.7 points and 3.1 rebounds.
The UCLA Bruins achieved victories against Washington and USC. They are currently averaging 76 points per game with a shooting percentage of 47, while allowing 65.1 points on 43 percent shooting. Tyler Bilodeau is averaging 13.9 points and 4.6 rebounds, and Eric Dailey Jr. contributes an average of 12 points and 4.3 rebounds.
The Pick:
While UCLA is likely to be favored due to its home court, Oregon stands out as the more proficient defensive team and has achieved a 4-1 straight-up record in away contests. This game also presents a chance for Oregon to seek revenge after their two-point loss to UCLA in December. Both teams are adept at offensive play, yet I place more trust in the Ducks’ defensive strength, and their reliable performance on the road makes the points a significant consideration for Thursday night.